Statement attributable to the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator
in Sudan, Mr. Ali Al-Za’tari

Khartoum, 23 October 2012. The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in
Sudan, Mr. Ali Al-Za'tari, has expressed deep concern about the escalation of fighting in and
around Kadugli, the state capital of South Kordofan, where there was an exchange of fire in the
morning and afternoon on 23 October.

On 8 October, when five shells were fired at Kadugli, two landed in the UNICEF compound
while others caused civilian deaths and injuries among the inhabitants. Today's counter shelling
by the SPLM-N of Kadugli resulted in the death of at least one child and many others injured
with at least two rounds falling near the UNICEF compound. It should be reminded that life is
lost, on both sides, and that many people have been victimized by the lack of access to basic
necessities and normal life. This vicious and violent circle has to end and it has to give way to a
settlement allowing the people of the State to lead a prosperous life devoid of insecurity and
uncertainty and filled with hope and development.

Mr. Al-Za'tari said that the tripartite group, made up of the African Union, the League of Arab
States and the United Nations, has recently put forward a revised plan of action for the delivery
of humanitarian assistance to war affected civilians in both South Kordofan and Blue Nile. The
Humanitarian Coordinator urges both the Government and the SPLM-N to implement the plan
of action and to provide the security guarantees to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian and
other types of assistance required by the affected people.